Dea Avnovā, Mandal

Nestled beside a crystal-clear blue river, beneath the sacred heights of Tungnath and bordered by the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. A place of forests, ancient trails, birdsongs and quiet corners. To explore, slow down, or simply be.

Where Mountains Meet the River

Mandal sits along the Gopeshwar–Chopta road, surrounded by forests and mountain trails, with a crystal-clear river running through the valley. It’s within easy reach of Tungnath and Chandrashila, and there’s plenty of reason to stay. Ancient trails to Anusuya Matha and Atrey Muni waterfall, wild orchids, swimming holes, birdsong, a yogashala by the fields, and quiet afternoons by the river.

What the stay is like

Five cosy stone rooms and two glamping tents, surrounded by open fields, forests and a crystal-clear river. Spaces flow between indoors and out, with quiet nooks to read, gather around the fireplace, share a meal under the trees, or simply sit and watch the mountains. A light-filled yogashala sits by the fields, while the river, its swimming holes and birding trails are never far away. Even the grounds follow the land rather than the other way round. Paths and clearings curve where the terrain does, nothing forced into straight lines. There are places for coming together and plenty of corners for disappearing on your own.

Food is just as much a part of the stay here. Meals are cooked fresh each day. Meals are served outdoors during the day, and indoors at night. Most days you’ll get Garhwali dishes rooted in the valley; other days, something tasty and simpler after a long walk in the forest. Always home-cooked, always unhurried.

Things to do from Mandal

• Anusuya Matha & Atrey Muni Waterfall Follow an ancient forest trail to Anusuya Matha and onwards to the spectacular Atrey Muni waterfall, that hides an ancient cave. A beautiful day of walking through dense forests, streams and sacred landscapes.
• Birding & Wild Orchid Trails Explore the forests and trails around Mandal, home to rich Himalayan birdlife and wild orchids. Best enjoyed slowly, especially in the early mornings. Around 80 species recorded in the orchard and adjoining forest.
• The River Spend an afternoon beside the crystal-clear river, find a quiet swimming hole, dip your feet in the water, or do absolutely nothing.
• Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Head up to Chopta for the trek to Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple, and continue to Chandrashila for sweeping views across the Garhwal Himalayas.
• Yoga Retreats The light-filled yogashala by the fields offers a quiet space for yoga, meditation and small retreats, surrounded by mountains and greenery.
• Creative Workshops A place to gather, create and learn. The indoor and outdoor spaces can host intimate workshops, from art and writing to photography, craft and other creative pursuits.
• Gopeshwar Explore the nearby mountain town, wander through the local market, stop for chai, and visit the ancient 9th-century Shiva temple.

Getting here

Most guests arrive via Rishikesh, after landing at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. From there, it’s a beautiful 8 hrs mountain drive through Devprayag, Srinagar and Gopeshwar before reaching Mandal. If you’d like, we’ll arrange the entire journey from your arrival point, so all you have to do is enjoy the drive. Just let us know when you book.

Best time to visit

• Spring (Mar – Apr) The forests come alive with blooming burānsh (rhododendrons), clear skies and pleasant days. One of the most colourful times to visit. Excellent for birding, wild orchid trails and long walks.
• Summer (May – Jun) Sunny yet cool mountain weather, long days and perfect conditions for trekking, riverside picnics and unhurried afternoons across the stay’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Autumn (Sep – Nov) One of our favourite seasons. Crisp air, the clearest mountain views of the year, and landscapes slowly changing from lush green to autumn gold. Pleasant temperatures for early morning bird walks.
• Winter (Dec – Feb) Quiet, cosy and pleasantly cool. A wonderful season for fireside evenings and peaceful mountain mornings.
• Monsoon (Jul – Aug) The mountains are at their most alive. Lush forests, full rivers, misty mornings and rainbows between passing showers. Expect a mix of cloudy and open mountain views. Heavy monsoon rains can make travel and trails unpredictable, so we advise caution during this season.